Table



1948 M. c. SHILLADY 2,447,141

TABLE Filed May 3, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Izderdof:

Patented Aug. 17, 1948 ilNiiED srarssra'rsnr orricr:

TABLE Marian C. Shillady, Norristown, Pa.

Application May 3, 1944, Serial No. 533,898

7 Claims. 1

This invention relates to tables and more particularly to tables which may be readily assembled and taken apart. The invention contemplates a table having separable parts which may be packed in compact relationship for storage and for moving from place to place and which may be readily assembled when desired.

The invention further contemplates a table having a top portion made of a plurality of sections which may be nested in compact relationship and may be assembled when desired.

Other advantageous features will be apparent from the specification and claims.

The nature and characteristic features of the invention will be more readily understood from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, in which:

Figure 1 is a top or plan view of a table in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an underneath or bottom plan View of the table shown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 3 and 4 are top end and side views, respectively, of a leg suitable for use with the table illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary View at the corner of the table as seen from underneath, and showing the mode of securing the legs in position;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken approximately on the line 5-6 of Fig. 2, and showing the outer edge construction;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view illustrating one mode of locking adjoining sections at the outer edge;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken approximately on the line 83 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view at the center of the table as seen from beneath, illustrating a portion of the structure for locking adjoining box sections at the center;

Fig. 10 is a view in perspective, illustrating a locking member for locking adjoining box sections at the center;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on the line li-ll of Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic vertical sectional view illustrating a preferred mode of nesting of the box sections;

Fig. 13 is a View of or for carrying; and

Fig. 14 is an underneath plan View showing the embodiment of the invention in a table having a circular top.

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are illustrative approximately the table packed for storage merely, and that Various modifications and changes may be made in the structure disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 to 13 of the drawings, the table preferably consists of a top portion, and supporting legs 86.

The top portion is square and the length and width may be referred to as unit Width. The top is composed of four rectangular box sections A, B, C and D of diiferent sizes and of relateddimensions as hereinafter pointed out.

The box section A preferably consists of a fiat central panel l5 preferably of rigid material such as Masonite, wood, metal or the like which is adapted to form part of the upper face of the table top. Parallel pairs of downwardly extend ing side edges l6, l1, l8 and I9 are provided, preferably of sheet metal. The side edges may be turned over as indicated at 2i) for stiffening. The thickness of the edges between extremities thereof Will be hereinafter referred to as unit edge thickness. The side edges l6 and I9 preferably form outer side edges of the table when the sections are assembled, and one of these outer side edges, such as I 6, may be provided with a fiat collapsing carrying handle 2i for use when the table is packed for carrying and being disposed in fiat condition when the table is in use.

The box section B is similar to the box section A although smaller in size, and consists of a flat central panel 25 of the same material as the panel I 5 and parallel pairs of downwardly extending side edges 25, 21, 28 and 29 preferably of the same unit edge thickness. The side edges 2'! and 28 preferably form outer side edges of the table when the sections are assembled. The box sections A and B are related as to their respective sizes such that section B may be disposed with its edges within the edges of section A and with the edges 26, 29, 28 and 2'! respectively within the edges I9, l6, l1 and I8, or'with the edges 23, 27, 26 and 2-9 respectively within the edges l9, It, I? and I8, and in each instance with the panel 25 spaced from the panel [5.

The box section B has a portion of the central panel 25 and adjoining portions of the edges 26 and 29 cut away to permit an inner corner portion of section A to extend thereinto when the sections are assembledlsee Figs. 2 and 9).

The box section C is also similar to the box.

sections A and B although still smaller in size. The box section C consists of a fiat central panel 30 and pairs'of parallel downwardly extending side edges 3!, 32, 33 and 34, preferably 01 unit edge thickness. The side edges 3| and 32 preferably form outer side edges of the table when the sections are assembled. The box section C is related in size to the box section B and is adapted to nest therein with the edges 3|, 32, 33 and 34 respectively within the edges 29, 26, 21 and 28 and with the panel 30 resting on the panel 25, or with the edges 3|, 32, 33 and 34 within the edges 21, 28, 29 and 26 respectively, and with the panel 30 resting on the panel 25.

The box section D is also similar to the box sections A, B and C but is the smallest in size. The box section D consists of a flat central panel 40 and pairs of parallel downwardly extending side edges 4|, 42, 43 and 44, preferably of unit edge thickness. The side edges 43 and 44 preferably form outer side edges of the table when the sections are assembled. The box section D is related in size to the box section C and is adapted to nest therein with the edges 4|, 4-4, 43 and 42 respectively within the edges 34, 33, 32 and 3| or with the edges 44, 43, 42 and 4| respectively within the edges 3|,34, 33 and 32, and in each instance with the panel 46 against the panel 36. The box section D is also adapted to contain the legs 66 in collapsed condition, and packs of cards or game apparatus (not shown) if desired.

The box sections A, B, C and D are adapted to be assembled with the edges l6 and 3|, '32 and 21, 28 and 43, and 44 and I9 providing the outer side edges of the table top.

The box sections A, B, C and D may be held in assembled relationship in any desired manner. For this purpose the sections are preferably locked or clamped together at the central portion and at or near the outer side edges in any desired manner.

The lock at the central portion may consist of a metal box 50 having side walls with tapered slots 52. The rolled portions 20 of the edges l1 and 34, 33 and 26, 29 and 42, and 4| and I8 preferably are cut away at their rims as at 55 to permit of frictional gripping engagement of the edges of the slots 52 with the inner faces of these edges.

The locks adjacent the outer side edges may consist of pin locks 53 carried by one side edge and having bent portions 51 adapted to be slid through holes 54 in alinement therewith and turned to locking positon by means of arms 56.

The table top assembled from the sections A, B, C and D is preferably supported on collapsible legs 60 which are separable from the table top portion. The geometric center of the table is indicated at 35.

The legs 60 preferably each consist of an upper hollow section 6| and a lower section 62 capable of telescoping therein. A spring pressed latch or button 63 mounted in the lower section 62 and engageable in a hole 64 in the upper section 6| may be provided for releasably holding the legs 60 in extended position. The legs 60 are adapted to be separably secured to the top and for this purpose outwardly extending lugs 65 may be provided slidable into sockets formed by metal tongues 66 secured to the inner faces of the edges at the corners. The legs 60 in their collapsed or telescoped position may all be placed within the box section D along with the box 50.

In Fig. 14 a modified form of the invention is illustrated showing the application to a circular table. The circular table is preferably composed of four segmental box sections A, B, C and D of different sizes and of related dimensions. The

box section A is of segment shape and preferably consists of a fiat central panel 16, a downwardly extending curved outer edge H and interior edges I1 and I8 similar to the edges of the box sections heretofore described and of unit edge thickness.

The box section B is similar to the box section A although smaller in size, is of segment shape and includes a flat central panel 15 with a downwardly extending outer edge 16 and with interior edges 26 and 29 similar to the box section edges heretofore described and of unit edge thickness. The box sections A and B are related as to their respective sizes such that section B may be disposed with its edges within the edges of section A, for nesting, with the edge 16 within the edge H and with the edges 26 and 29 respectively disposed within the edges I1 and I8 and with the panel portion 15 spaced from the panel portion Ill. The box section B has a portion of the central panel 15 and the adjoining edge portions 26 and 29 cut away to permit a corner portion of the section A to extend thereinto when the sections are assembled as illustrated in Fig. 14, and in a similar manner to that shown with the square table.

The box section C is also similar to the box sections A and B although still smaller in size. The box section C is of segment shape and consists of a flat central panel 80, a downwardly extending curved outer side edge 8|, and inner edges 33 and 34, of unit edge thickness. The box section C is related in size to the box section B and is adapted to nest therein with the curved edge 8| within the curved edge 16 and with the edges 34 and 33 respectively within the edges 26' and 29.

The box section D is also similar to the box sections A, B and C but is the smallest in size. The box section D is of segment shape and consists of a fiat central panel 85, a downwardly extending curved outer side edge 86 and inner side edges 4 I and 42 of unit edge thickness. The box section D is related in size to the box section C and is adapted to nest therein with the curved edge 86 within the curved edge 8| and with the edges 4| and 42 respectively within the edges 34 and 33, and with the panel 85 spaced from the panel 80. The interior of the box section D is adapted to contain the legs 69, the locking member 50 and otherwise to serve as a storage space.

The box sections A, B, C and D may be held in assembled relationship in any desired manner, such for example as that illustrated in detail in Figs. '7, 8, 9 and 10, or in any other desired manner. a

It will thus be seen that there is provided a table which may be made in desired or conventional sizes, such for example as to be suitable for use as a card table, and that the table may be readily assembled when required by locking the respective box sections together and by mounting the legs thereon. If desired the legs may also be utilized at the collapsed height thereby giving a table particularly adapted for use by children. When it is desired, the table may be taken apart and packed up. The box sections will snugly nest one withni another and no fastening will ordinarily be required. When packed the table wlil occupy a relatively small space, and may be readily carried from place to place as desired.

I claim:

1. A table top consisting of a first box section, a second box section fitting within said first box section, a third box section fitting within said second box section, a fourth box section fitting Within said third box section, each of said box sections having a flat table surface portion of different area, and means for locking said box sections in assembled relationship with said table surface portions coplanar.

2. A square table top consisting of a first box section, a second box section fitting within said first box section, a third box section fitting within said second box section, a fourth box sectio fittin within said third box section, each of said box sections having a fiat table surface portion of different area, and means for releasably locking said box sections in assembled relationship with said surface portions coplanar to provide a table top.

3. A square table top consisting of a first rectangular box section, a second rectangular box section fitting within said first box section, a third rectangular box section fitting withi said second box section, a fourth rectangular box section fitting Within said third box section, each of said box sections havin a fiat surface portion of different area, and means for locking said box sections in assembled relationship with said surface portions coplanar.

4. A circular table top consisting of a first box section, a second box section fitting within said first box section, a third box section fitting Within said second box section, a fourth box section fitting within said third box section, each of said box sections having a flat surface portion of different area, and means for locking said box sections in assembled relationship with said surface portions coplanar.

5. A circular table consisting of a first segment shaped box section, a second segment shaped box section fitting within said first box section, a third segment shaped box section fitting within said second box section, a fourth segment shaped box section fitting within said third box section, each of said box sections having a flat table surface portion of different area, and means for locking said box sections in assembled relationship with said surface portions coplanar.

6. A table top consisting of a plurality of box sections of similar shape and capable of nesting one within another, each of said box sections having a flat table surface portion of difierent area, means for locking said box sections in assembled relationship with said surface portions coplanar and with edge portions of different box sections in engagement, one of said box sections having a cut out portion of the table surface at one corner to permit of the assembling and nesting of at least one of the other box sections therewith.

7. A table top consisting of a plurality of box sections of similar shape and capable of nesting one within another, each of said box sections having a flat table surface portion of different area and a plurality of edge portions at least two of which are angularly disposed With respect to each other, means for locking said box sections in assembled relationship with said surface portions coplanar and with edge portions of difierent box sections in engagement with each of the aforesaid angularly disposed edge portions of one of the box sections, one of said box sections having a cut @out portion at one corner to permit of the assemblin and nesting of at least one of the other box sections therewith.

MARION C. SHILLADY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 609,592 Schultz Aug. 23, 1898 908,487 Nail Jan. 5, 1909 973,220 Schmidtmann Oct. 18, 1910 1,068,642 Birdsall June 3, 1913 2,001,561 Anglin May 14, 1935 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 176,887 Switzerland May 15, 1935 211,143 Germany June 24, 1909 327,587 Great Britain Apr. 10, 1930 

